Used car firm Anycolourcar becomes franchised dealer with Skywell

Yorkshire online car retailer anycolourcar.com has been named an official Skywell franchised dealership, marking a further step in the Chinese EV brand’s rollout in the UK.

Jonathan Seaman, founder and CEO of anycolourcar.com, an independent used car retailer he launched in 2020, expressed his pride in the achievement, said: “This is a proud moment for us, and I’d like to say a huge well done to the team. We are already confident in the used EV market, and now we’re stepping into the new sector.

"It takes me back to my early days - valeting brand-new Citroëns for an August 1st midnight delivery in 1992!”

Seaman is a former head of group operations of The Car People, the car supermarket chain which was acquired by Sytner Group in 2017.

Based in Barnsley, Anycolourcar will represent Skywell across Wakefield, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley.

Skywell, a Chinese EV brand under the Skyworth Group, is being introduced to the UK market through Innovation Automotive, a Cirencester-based distributor that also imports DFSK light commercial vehicles.

Innovation Automotive has primarily sold DFSK vehicles via direct sales. However, the company is now shifting focus to a dealer network model to expand Skywell’s presence.

General nanager David Clark confirmed that the business is prioritising established local dealerships over large national dealer groups. “We’re not in talks with the big national dealer groups right now,” he said. “Instead, we are working with well-respected local dealers who can offer a great customer experience.”

Innovation Automotive aims to appoint 20 to 25 dealerships to establish Skywell in the UK before expanding further. The company is also offering dealers an attractive low-cost entry model, with minimal requirements for showroom branding and workshop equipment.

Clark explained: “Our setup costs for dealers are quite low compared to other OEMs. We just want the basics in place to deliver a good customer experience.”

The first Skywell model launching in the UK is the BE11, a large electric SUV available in a single high-spec variant with two battery options. The 86kWh battery offers a range of 306 miles, while the 72kWh version provides 248 miles on a full charge. To build consumer confidence, the BE11 comes with a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.